AMECEA: Justice Peace and Caritas Department Works to Develop Church Approach to Electioneering Processes in the Region
group photo of the participants
AMECEA Justice Peace and Caritas department brought together Church agents from the AMECEA countries to share knowledge and develop a framework for the Church’s engagement with governance work, specifically looking at electioneering processes in the AMECEA region.
According to Anthony Mbandi, the AMECEA Coordinator of Justice, Peace and Caritas department, the initiative, which is supported by the USCCB and the Regional office of Catholic Relief Services (CRS), is another step the department is taking towards synergistic and systematic voice of the Church in works of Mercy.
In the 2-day session, it was agreed that it is crucial for the Catholic Church in the region to start a process, which is geared towards bringing peace and tranquility in the region. It was also agreed that AMECEA Justice Peace and Caritas Department works with the Kenyan elections scenario to develop a minimum standard for engagement in the electioneering processes in the region.
Participants were drawn from the departments of Caritas as well as Justice and Peace, from AMECEA member countries and also partner organizations that have been working with the Kenyan Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) in governance work.
The meeting was also in reference to the Holy Father’s clarion call regarding the people ‘s indifference to politics;
“None of us can say, ‘I have nothing to do with this, they govern. No, no, I am responsible for their governance, and I have to do the best so that they govern well, and I have to do my best by participating in politics according to my ability. Politics, according to the Social Doctrine of the Church, is one of the highest forms of charity, because it serves the common good. I cannot wash my hands, eh? We all have to give something!” ….. “A good Catholic meddles in politics, offering the best of himself – so that those who govern can govern. But what is the best that we can offer to those who govern? Prayer!” Pope Francis
On too many occasions, especially in Africa, elections have led to bloodshed, displacement of persons, destruction of property including Churches, separation of families due to ethnic differences and many other ills in society. This is not the way of Christ and hence not the way of the Church.
